Bureau Replies PICOMSS On ISPS Code Training
By Bukola Akande
The Presidential Committee on Maritime Safety and Security (PICOMSS) and the International Naval Surveys Bureau (INSB) are at loggerheads over a training programme on the International and Port Facility (ISPS) code conducted by the latter recently.
The Bureau had about two weeks ago carried out a two-day training programme for seafarers and working with shipping firms to make them ISPS Code compliant as required by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a world maritime regulatory body.
But PICOMSS in an advertorial claimed that the Bureau had no authorisation to organise such training programme.
Claiming that INSB has no legal basis or legitimacy to run any ISPS Code course and issue certificates, PICOMSS said that it has the responsibility for the implementation of the Code.
"The INSB is not authorised as a Recognised Security Organisation by PICOMSS, or as a Classification Society by Nigeria's Flag Administration - National Maritime Authority (NMA). INSB has no legal basis or legitimacy to run any ISPS Code course(s) in the Federal Republic of Nigeria", the advert said.
The statement added that certificates issued by INSB or other unathorised groups will not be recogised by PICOMSS, while holders of such certificates cannot serve as Company/Ship Security Officer under the ISPS Code regime.
But reacting to the advertorial, Managing Director of INSB Engr. Akin Olaniyan said that the Bureau has not in any way taken over the responsibilities of the PICOMSS on ISPS Code in the country.
Olaniyan explained that all the organisation did was to enlighten the public on the code.
The purpose of the seminar, he added, was to educate people so that when they go outside Nigeria they will understand what the whole world is talking about on maritime security.
Olaniyan said contrary to the publication of PICOMSS, the INSB is a RSO and has a record with the National Maritime Authority (NMA).
He argued that the issue of legality does not arise in education or public enlightenment, adding that the Bureau being security conscious was only contributing to its quota to maritime safety as it affects the country.
He added that what was charged for the seminar was not in any way to milk Nigerians as PICOMS insinuated.
The INSB boss explained at the seminar some key words that the operators need to understand, adding that the purpose of Ship Security Plan (SSP) was to ensure that the application of measures on board the ship established to protect persons on board, cargo, cargo transport units, ships stores or the ship from the risks of a security incident.
He noted that the results of security assessment will provide the basis for measures which are essential to develop, implement, maintain and update the SSP.
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